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# Locations Where Travelers Are Most Likely to Experience Poor Air Quality: The World’s Most Polluted Cities
If you’re a traveler who prioritizes air quality, it’s essential to be aware of where your health may be endangered. While certain cities in the Americas face pollution challenges, they fall short when compared to the smog-laden urban areas of South Asia, especially in India, where air quality frequently dips to dangerous levels.
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as global lockdowns significantly curtailed vehicle use and industrial output, cities like Kathmandu and various locations in northern India temporarily enjoyed clear skies. For a brief period, inhabitants could view the distant Himalayas without the veil of pollution. Unfortunately, that moment of clarity was short-lived, and these cities have reverted to their heavily polluted conditions.
If you’re looking for a quick answer on where to steer clear of, India ranks at the top. Data from IQAir indicates that India is home to 83 of the 100 most polluted cities worldwide. Another report revealed that 28 out of the 30 most polluted cities are in India, with the other two being Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Peshawar (Pakistan).
Most of the worst air pollution sites outside of India are in neighboring South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. For those with respiratory issues, South Asia is arguably the most perilous region globally. Depending on the time of year, parts of China and Southeast Asia may also suffer from significant air quality problems.
## Asia Leads in the Rankings of Most Polluted Cities
The IQAir report shows that 99 of the 100 most polluted cities are situated in Asia, with the only exception being Benoni, South Africa. Various factors contribute to the pollution crisis in Asia:
– Annual burning of agricultural fields
– Weak regulation of industrial emissions
– Heavy dependence on coal and other dirty fuels
– Prevalent use of inefficient, high-emission vehicles
Tourists visiting Indian cities often experience the thick smog that poses risks for outdoor activities. Delhi, the capital, consistently ranks as the most polluted city in the world, with Kolkata close behind. Fortunately for visitors, many other heavily polluted cities are industrial centers less likely to be included in travel plans.
It’s vital to acknowledge that pollution data from Africa and South America is often incomplete. In Africa, one-third of the population lacks access to air quality monitoring, indicating some cities might be severely polluted without official recognition. Likewise, in Latin America and the Caribbean, 70% of air quality information is derived from low-cost sensors, leading to less reliable data.
## The 5 Most Polluted Cities Globally
As per the most recent IQAir data, the five cities with the highest levels of air pollution are:
1. Delhi, India
2. Lahore, Pakistan
3. Dhaka, Bangladesh
4. Karachi, Pakistan
5. Kolkata, India
Collectively, these cities are home to over 80 million residents—a population larger than that of Germany or Thailand.
Pollution levels can vary based on weather conditions, fires, and seasonal factors. For example, Bangkok, Thailand, experiences significant pollution spikes during certain times of the year. In response, the city has implemented free public transport and limited gas-powered vehicles in congested areas. Similarly, Hanoi, Vietnam, and Jakarta, Indonesia, have been ranked among the most polluted cities at different times.
Interestingly, while India frequently occupies the top spots in pollution rankings, real-time data can reveal different patterns. For instance, in January, Chinese cities like Harbin and Chenzhou topped pollution charts, with air particulate levels soaring to 14 times above the recommended limits.
## The Most Polluted Countries Overall
While India has numerous polluted cities, it stands fourth overall among the most polluted nations. According to AQI data, the top 10 most polluted countries are:
1. Bangladesh
2. Pakistan
3. Bahrain
4. India
5. Nepal
6. Kuwait
7. Egypt
8. Rwanda
9. United Arab Emirates
10. China
Despite its pollution issues, China deserves recognition for its substantial investments in clean energy infrastructure, including hydroelectric power, solar and wind energy, and high-speed rail systems. In contrast, India and Pakistan continue to grapple with worsening pollution situations.
## Pollution Hotspots in the United States
In the U.S., pollution is generally less severe but still problematic in certain regions. The most affected areas include:
– Southern California (notably Los Angeles)
– Salt Lake City, Utah
– The industrial Midwest (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia)
– Houston, Texas
According to the American Lung Association, climate change is intensifying pollution through extreme heat, drought, and wildfires, particularly in the western U.S.
For a comprehensive list of the most polluted U.S. cities, you can check the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report.
## Where to Discover the Cleanest Air
If you’re in search of places with untainted air,